Fastening system for shoes and clothing

ABSTRACT

A fastening system for use in shoes and articles of clothing that includes a fastening strap with openings on each side of the strap and a rivet. The rivet has a button and a retainer. The button includes a base with a recess on a first side and a stem on a second side of the base. The stem extends from the base. The button also includes a top portion. The top portion diameter is larger than the stem diameter. The retainer has a shank extending from a clamping head. The shank is being configured to fasten within the recess of the button, while the retainers extend through two opposite holes of a shoe or an article of clothing for fastening with the buttons. The openings of the fastening strap are adapted to fit over the top portion of each of the button.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a fastening system useful for a clothingarticle, and more particularly to the fastening system used inconnection with footwear, such as boots, dress or casual shoes, and/orathletic shoes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Footwear and clothing are generally provided with zipper, buttons orlace in order to fasten separable portions of the footwear or clothing.For example, with respect to the footwear fastening system, lacesthreaded through lace holes are generally used to fasten the footwear,such as a casual shoe, dress shoe, boot or athletic shoe.

The majority of lace fastening systems, in order to provide a convenientway of securing a shoe onto the foot, use a lace or fiber through whichthe tension is applied.

Problems inherent in the lace fastening systems include unwanted knotscaused by the tension in laces occurring through everyday use of theshoe, weakening and eventual breakage of laces at the points where lacesrub against the shoe holes through which the laces are threaded.

Laces are not resilient and may stretch during use allowing the foot tomove. Laces break or become untied and can present a hazard to thewearer. When the tension of laces is weakened from overuse, the tongueof the shoe may be wrinkled or displaced so that distracting or evenpainful discomfort may result during the use.

The lace fastening systems may also be impractical and undesirable bypersons with physical limitations, such as rheumatoid arthritis, weightproblems, or physical injuries that make it difficult and undesirablefor such individuals to bend over for the period of time that isrequired to perform lace fastening.

Accordingly, there is a need for eliminating and replacing the use oflaces for fastening of the footwear and clothing. Generally, wheneliminating the use of laces, support, aesthetic appeal and/or theeffectiveness of securing the shoe to the foot is sacrificed.

The fastening system of the present invention provides improved supportwith an adjustable fastening system to secure the shoe to the footwithout the use of laces. The fastening system provides easy and quickfastening means that allow for a proper tightening and securing of theshoe on the user's foot.

In addition, recently, the use of variety of colorful laces, rather thanlaces matching the color of the shoe, gained popularity among consumers.It is not uncommon for the individual to substitute the laces that matchthe color of the shoe with contrasting laces to express an individualstyle.

The fastening system of the present invention allows the consumers tofurther express their individuality. The fastening system of the presentinvention enhances the shoe or clothing's appearance. It letsindividuals to express their personal style by easily switching fromlaces to the stylish and unique fastening system that allows forvirtually unlimited modifications and variations with respect to colorsand materials used.

Further, with respect to clothing, the fastening system of the presentinvention can be used, for example, instead of cufflinks or to securetwo separable portions of a jacket or other garment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to the fastening system for use in shoes andarticles of clothing. The fastening system comprises at least onefastening strap that has an opening on each of its two ends and a rivetwith a button and a retainer.

The button has a base with a recess on a first side and a stem on asecond side. The stem extends from the base. The stem further has afirst diameter. The button has a top portion at one end of the stem thatis opposite to the base. The top portion has a second diameter that islarger than the first diameter of the stem.

The retainer has a shank that extends from a clamping head of theretainer. The shank is configured to securely fasten within the recessof the button. The retainer is adapted to extend through the shoelacesholes of a shoe or clothing for fastening with the button. The openingsof the fastening strap are adapted to fit over the top portion of thebutton.

In an embodiment, the fastening system may be installed by the userthrough the preexisting the shoelaces holes of the shoe that wereoriginally designated by a manufacture for laces in the upper portion ofthe shoe.

In another embodiment, at least three fastening straps are used inconnection with a chukka boot. Each strap is different length, dependingon its position, the shortest strap being closest to the user's ankle.Such positioning and corresponding length of the straps allow for themost support with the fastening system to secure the shoe to the foot.

The fastening strap is preferably fabricated from durable plastic,leather or rubber, such as molded plastic, impact-resistant plastic,flexible plastic, plastic, leather, rubber, and/or elastomeric material,e.g. silicone rubber. The fastening strap material can also includenon-metallic, fabric, cloth, or elastomeric material, or combinations ofany of the forgoing.

The rivet is preferably fabricated from durable light metal alloy ordurable plastic, such as injection-molded polypropylene or polyethylene,or other suitable plastics or metals. The rivet may be crafted from aprecious or semi-precious metal alloy or other colored materials toprovide a unique appearance.

In yet another embodiment, the recess of the base of the button has ascrew thread in its interior. The shank that extends from the clampinghead of the retainer has a thread that is configure to engage with thescrew thread of the recess of the base.

Accordingly, the shank of the retainer can be threadably screwed intothe recess of the base. Thus, the interior thread of the recess isconfigured to allow the base of the button to be securely engaged withthe shank of the retainer.

In yet another embodiment, the shank that extends from the clamping headof the retainer has a sharp tip configured to making holes in the shoeor article of clothing.

In yet another embodiment, the fastening system comprises at least onefastening strap that has an opening on each of its two ends and a rivetwith a button and a retainer.

According to this embodiment, the button has a plurality of protrusionson the first side, each of the protrusions having a sharp tip configuredto making holes in the shoe or article of clothing.

Further, according to this embodiment, the button has a base and a stem,extending from the base on the second side. The stem further has a firstdiameter. The button has a top portion configured at one end of the stemthat is opposite to the base. The top portion has a second diameter thatis larger than the first diameter.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the retainer has a retainerdiameter that is smaller than a base diameter of the base of the button.The protrusions of the base of the button are adapted to bend inward inorder to secure the retainer. Thus, according to this embodiment theneed for the preexisting holes is eliminated.

Further, according to this embodiment, the openings of the fasteningstrap are adapted to fit over the top portion of the button.

Furthermore, holes may be formed by using a punch, leather awl, or thelike instrument, permitting the rivets to be installed in the upperportion of a shoe.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, itshould be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only, since various changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawingswhich are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are notlimitative of the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a prospective view of a shoe equipped with the lace fasteningsystems according to the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a prospective view of a shoe equipped with fastening systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a bottom view of the button of the fastening system accordingto an embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the button of the fastening system accordingto this invention;

FIG. 4A is a side view of the retainer of the fastening system accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the retainer of the fastening systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a side view of the shank extending from the clamping head ofthe retainer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A a prospective view of the fastening strap according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a top view of the fastening strap according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 5C is a side view of the fastening strap according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a bottom view of the button of the fastening system accordingto another embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 6B is a side view of the button of the fastening system accordingto another embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 6C is a top view of the retainer of the fastening system accordingto another embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the rivet of the fastening system according toanother embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the strap of the fastening system according toanother embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 9A is a top view of the cap of the fastening system according toanother embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 9B is a prospective view of the socket of the fastening systemaccording to another embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 9C is a prospective view of the stud of the fastening systemaccording to another embodiment of this invention; and

FIG. 9D is a prospective view of the post of the fastening systemaccording to another embodiment of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The FIG. 1 shows a chukka boot (100) that employs a conventional lacefastening system in order to secure the boot onto the foot (not shown).The conventional lace fastening system uses laces (101) to securelyfasten separable portions of the boot.

The FIG. 2 shows the fastening system according to this invention thatis used with a chukka boot (10). The fastening system comprises at leastone fastening strap (12) that has an opening (18) on each of its twoends and a rivet (20). The rivet (20) has a button (22) and a retainer(24).

In an embodiment shown on FIG. 2, the fastening system is used withpreexisting holes (not shown) that were originally designated by amanufacture for laces in the upper portion of the shoe (10).

The rivets (20) are installed through the preexisting shoelaces holes(as further detailed below). The openings (18) of the fastening straps(12) fit over each of the rivets (20) to securely engage the fasteningstraps (12). In addition, the shoelaces holes in the footwear orclothing may be formed by using a punch, leather awl, or the likeinstrument, permitting the rivets to be installed on the upper portionof a shoe.

The FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate exemplary embodiment of the button (22)of the rivet (20). The button (22) has a base (26) with a recess (28) ona first side and a stem (30) on a second side. The stem (30) extendsfrom the base (26) as shown in FIG. 3B. The stem (30) has a diameter.The button (22) also has a top portion (32) located at one end of thestem (30) that is opposite to the base (26) as shown in FIG. 3B. The topportion (32) has a second diameter that is larger than the firstdiameter of the stem (30).

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the stem(30) is at least 3 mm. The second diameter of the top portion (32) is atleast 5 mm. The stem (30) length, including the top portion (32) isabout 6.2 mm. The diameter of the base (26) is about 9.5 mm.

The FIGS. 4A-3C illustrate exemplary embodiment of the retainer (24) ofthe rivet (20). The retainer (24) has a shank (34) that extends from aclamping head (36). The shank (34) can be variously configured tosecurely fasten within the recess (28) shown in FIG. 3A of the button(22).

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the shank (34) has a thread(42) shown in the FIGS. 4A and 4C. The thread is configured to engagewith the interior thread (not shown) of recess (28) of the base (26).

Accordingly, the shank (34) of the retainer (24) can be threadablyscrewed into the recess (28) of the base (26). Thus, the interior threadof the recess (28) is configured to allow the base (26) of the button(22) to be securely engaged with the shank (34) of the retainer (24).

Further, the retainer (24) is adapted to extend through holes of theshoe or clothing for fastening with the button (22). The openings (18)of the fastening strap (12) are adapted to fit over the top portion (32)of the button (22).

In yet another embodiment, the shank (34) that extends from the clampinghead (36) of the retainer (24) has a sharp tip configured to makingholes in the shoe or article of clothing for the use of the fasteningsystem.

The clamping head (36) may contain a groove (48) configured to be usedwith a tip of the screw driver. It is understood that the groove (48)may be shaped to be used with a variety of screw drivers, such as“Slot,” “Phillips” and “Robertson,” as well as various screw driversizes.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the shank(34) is at least 2.88 mm, and the length is 8 mm. The diameter of theclamping head (36) is 9 mm with the width of the groove (48) being 1.6mm.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, as shown on the FIGS.5A-5C, the fastening strap (12), has two opening (18) that fit tightlyover the top portion (32) of the button (22).

In yet another embodiment, at least three fastening straps (12) are usedas shown on the FIG. 2. Each strap (12) is different length, dependingon its position on the shoe, the shortest strap being closest to theuser's ankle. Such positioning and corresponding length of the strapsallow for the most support with the fastening system to secure the shoeto the foot. It is understood that depending on the style of thefootwear or clothing various number of straps (12) are used. Further,the size of the straps (12) will depend on the style, configuration andmanufacturing specifications of the footwear or clothing article.

The fastening strap (12) according to the invention may be fabricatedfrom durable plastic or rubber, such as molded plastic, impact-resistantplastic, flexible plastic, plastic, leather, rubber, and/or elastomericmaterial, such silicone rubber. The fastening strap material can alsoinclude non-metallic, fabric, cloth, or elastomeric material, orcombinations of any of the forgoing.

The rivet (20) according to the invention may be fabricated from durablelight metal alloy or durable plastic, such as injection-moldedpolypropylene or polyethylene, or other suitable plastics or metals.Further, the rivet (20) may be made from a precious or semi-preciousmetal alloy or colored metals to provide a unique appearance. Forexample, the rivet (20) may be manufactured from copper alloy to providefor corrosion resistance and durability.

In yet another embodiment shown in the FIGS. 6A-6C, the fastening systemhas at least one fastening strap (12) that has an opening (18) on eachof its two ends and a rivet (120) with a button (122) and a retainer(124).

The button (122) has a plurality of protrusions (140) on a first side.The protrusions (140) have a sharp tip (142) configured to be able tomake holes in the shoe or article of clothing.

Further, the button (122) has a base (126) and a stem (130) that extendsfrom the base (126) outward. The button (122) also has a top portion(132) on one end of the stem (130) that is opposite to the base (126).

The protrusions (140) of the base (126) are adapted to bend inward inorder to secure the retainer (124). Thus, according to this embodimentthe need for the preexisting holes is eliminated.

Further, according to this embodiment, the openings (18) of thefastening strap (12) are adapted to fit over the top portion (132) ofthe button (122).

The diameter of the base (126) is about 9.5 mm. The diameter of theretainer (124) is smaller than the diameter of the base (126) and isabout 8.7 mm.

The stem (130) has the diameter about 3 mm, where the diameter of thetop portion (132) is about 5 mm. The protrusions (140) have the lengthof about 17 mm. The length of the stem (130) is about 6.15 mm.

In yet another embodiment shown on FIG. 7, the rivet (220) has the base(226) with the button (222) one side. The stem (230) of the button (222)extends from the base (226). The top portion (232) is configured on stem(230), opposite from the base (226).

Further, the rivet (220) has the retainer (224) with the shank (234) andthe clamping head (236). The clamping head (236) may be configured tomove laterally or rotate in order to permit the clamping head (236) toextend through a shoe or garment's preexisting holes. The shank (234)may be curved to provide for a more secure fastening.

The length of the stem (230) is about 6.15 mm. The length of the shank(234) is about 6.15 mm. The diameter of the top portion (232) is about 5mm, and the diameter of the clamp head (236) is about 5 mm. The stem(230) has the diameter about 3 mm. The thickness of the base (226) is,preferably, 1.15 mm.

In yet another embodiment shown on the FIGS. 8 and 9A-9D, the fasteningsystem uses a snap-on assembly in order to fasten the fastening strap(12) to the shoe or article of clothing. According to this embodiment, acap (322) is connected through the opening (18) to a stud (324).

The fastening system according to this embodiment further includes asocket (326) for releasably engaging with the stud (324) and a post(328) for attaching the socket (326) to a shoe or an article ofclothing. The post (328) includes a base (329) and a pole (331)extending from the base (329). The pole (331) is configured to extendthrough the shoe or article of clothing and fixedly attach to the socket(326).

The fastening system according to the invention can be used withdifferent footwear. One of the embodiments shown in the FIG. 2,illustrates the use of the fastening system with chukka boot with threelace holes on each side of the separable portions. However, thefastening system according to this invention can be used with thevariety of footwear. For example, the fastening system can beeffectively used with dress shoes as well as the athletic shoes. Theversatility of the fastening system allows for variety of applicationsand uses without substantial alteration of the fastening mechanism.

Further, the fastening strap (12) may be configured to incorporatedifferent sensors, such as body motion sensors, that would communicate abody motion signal to a wearable electronic device like a watch oranother mobile device. Such information can be used in order todetermine, for example, a calorie expenditure by the user.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same maybe varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as adeparture from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all suchmodifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are to beincluded within the scope of the following claims.

1. A fastening system for use in shoes and articles of clothing,comprising: at least one fastening strap having a first end and a secondend, wherein the first end and the second end each have an opening; anda rivet having a button and a retainer, wherein the button has a basewith a recess on a first side and a stem on a second side, the stemextending from the base and having a first diameter, and the buttonfurther includes a top portion at one end of the stem that is oppositeto the base, and the top portion has a second diameter, the seconddiameter being larger than the first diameter, wherein the retainer hasa shank extending from a clamping head, wherein the shank beingconfigured to fasten within the recess of the button, and the retainersextend outward through two holes of a shoe or an article of clothing forfastening with the buttons, wherein the openings of the fastening strapare adapted to fit over the top portion of each of the button therebysecuring the fastening strap to the shoe.
 2. The fastening systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the button is screwably fastened with theretainer.
 3. The fastening system according to claim 1, wherein theshank of the retainer has a sharp tip configured to making holes in theshoe or article of clothing.
 4. The fastening system according to claim1, wherein the clamping head of the retainer has a groove configured tobe used with a tip of a screw driver.
 5. The fastening system accordingto claim 1, wherein the diameter of the stem is at least 3 mm and thesecond diameter of the top portion is at least 5 mm.
 6. The fasteningsystem according to claim 4, wherein a diameter of the shank is at least2.88 mm and a length of the shank is 8 mm, and a diameter of theclamping head is 9 mm with a width of the groove is 1.6 mm
 7. Thefastening system according to claim 1, wherein the fastening strap ismade from durable plastic, leather, rubber material or elastomericmaterial.
 8. The fastening system according to claim 7, wherein theelastomeric material is silicone rubber.
 9. The fastening systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the rivet is made from durable light metalalloy or durable plastic.
 10. The fastening system according to claim 1,wherein at least three fastening straps of different length are usedwith a chukka boot, the shortest strap of the at least three strapsbeing closest to an upper portion of the chukka boot.
 11. A fasteningsystem for use in shoes and articles of clothing, comprising: at leastone fastening strap having a first end and a second end, wherein thefirst end and the second end each have an opening; and a rivet having abutton and a retainer, wherein the button has a base with a plurality ofprotrusions on a first side, each of the protrusions having a sharp tipconfigured to making a hole in a shoe or an article of clothing, and astem on a second side, the stem extending from the base and having afirst diameter, and the button further includes a top portion at one endof the stem that is opposite to the base, and the top portion has asecond diameter, the second diameter being larger than the firstdiameter, wherein the retainer has a retainer diameter that is smallerthan a base diameter of the base of the button, and the protrusions areadapted to bend inward in order to secure the retainer, wherein theopenings of the fastening strap are adapted to fit over the top portionof each of the button thereby securing the fastening strap to the shoe.12. The fastening system according to claim 11, wherein a diameter ofthe base is 9.5 mm, and a diameter of the retainer is smaller than thediameter of the base.
 13. The fastening system according to claim 12,wherein the diameter of the retainer is 8.7 mm.
 14. The fastening systemaccording to claim 11, wherein the diameter of the stem is 3 mm and thesecond diameter of the top portion is 5 mm.
 15. The fastening systemaccording to claim 11, wherein the fastening strap is made from durableplastic, leather, rubber material or elastomeric material.
 16. Thefastening system according to claim 11, wherein the rivet is made fromdurable light metal alloy or durable plastic. 18-22. (canceled)
 23. Afastening system for use in shoes and articles of clothing, comprising:at least one fastening strap having a first end and a second end,wherein the first end and the second end each have an opening; and arivet having a base with a button on a first side and a retainer on asecond side, wherein the button further has a stem extending from thebase, the stem having a first diameter and a top portion at one end ofthe stem that is opposite to the base, and the top portion has a seconddiameter, wherein the second diameter being larger than the firstdiameter, wherein the retainer has a shank and a clamping head, whereinthe retainers extend out through two holes of a shoe or an article ofclothing and the openings of the fastening strap are adapted to fit overthe top portion of each of the button.
 24. The fastening systemaccording to claim 23, wherein a length of the stem is 6.15 mm, a lengthof the shank is 6.15 mm, and wherein a diameter of the top portion is 5mm, a diameter of the clamp head is 5 mm, the first diameter of the stemis 3 mm, and the second diameter of the top portion is 5 mm.
 25. Thefastening system according to claim 24, wherein the fastening strap ismade from durable plastic, leather, rubber material or elastomericmaterial.
 26. A fastening system for use in shoes and articles ofclothing, comprising: at least one fastening strap having a first endand a second end, the first end and the second end each have an opening,wherein a cap is connected through the opening to a stud; a socket forreleasable engagement with the stud; and a post for attaching the socketto a shoe or an article of clothing, wherein the post includes a baseand a pole extending from the base, and the pole is configured to extendthrough the shoe or the article of clothing and fixedly attach to thesocket.
 27. The fastening system according to claim 26, wherein thefastening strap is made from durable plastic, leather, rubber materialor elastomeric material.